Who We Are

Founded in Durban, South Africa in 1902, we are a 120 year old family business which has over 12 decades of history in construction and real estate. Whilst we have a strong heritage behind us, we are future-focused, innovative, and passionate about what's next.

History

JT Ross was founded by James Taylor Ross in 1902. The business originally focused on carpentry, and over the years evolved into a construction oriented company which slowly constructed buildings along Umgeni Road, Durban where JT Ross’s current head office still remains today.

JT Ross strategically focused on the construction of buildings during Durban’s rapidly growing urban sprawl which allowed the company to develop a number of assets in key nodes around the city.

After constructing a number of noteworthy projects in the Durban precinct, JT Ross expanded its operations into Cape Town and Johannesburg. This expansion allowed the business to capitalise from South Africa’s rapidly growing demand for office and industrial space, expanding the footprint nationwide.

JT Ross’s core strategy focused on build-to-let which enabled the company to create a portfolio of properties spanning around the country. Leveraging on this strategy, we strategically developed into a diverse portfolio of properties across different regions, facilitating our expansion into international markets and solidifying our position as a trusted global real estate business.

Timeline

  • 1882

    James Taylor Ross and his family set sail for South Africa, from Scotland.

  • 1902

    J.T. Ross and Son (Pty) Ltd founded in South Africa.

  • 1917

    J.T Ross operating his workshop from the rear of his home at 504 Windermere Road. The oldest existing building known to have been built by JT Ross.

  • 1918

    Construction of Offices and Workshop for JT Ross at 58 First Avenue begins.

  • 1920

    Construction of 284 Windermere Road.

  • 1940

    During WW2, JTR covered all the Caltex petrol storage tanks on the Bluff with concrete to protect them from aerial attacks and concrete retaining walls around them in case of leaks.

  • 1944

    1944 marks the passing of J.T. Ross.

  • 1947

    Ross Memorial Chapel opened at the Durban Light Infantry Headquarters, built by J.T. Ross and Son.

  • 1980

    J.T. Ross and Son move offices to 373 Umgeni Road, Durban.

  • 1998

    J.T Ross developed The Square on La Lucia Ridge, Durban

  • 2002

    JT Ross turns 100.

  • 2003

    JT Ross move to Old Lion Match Factory in Umgeni Road, Durban.

  • 2003

    JT Ross developed The Crescent, Umhlanga Ridge in a joint venture.

  • 2005

    JT Ross acquires The Glass House Office Park, La Lucia Ridge, Durban and starts refurbishment.

  • 2006

    Award winning redevelopment of ABSA Towers in Durban's CBD.

  • 2009

    JT Ross develops and builds Cape Town Film Studio's, Liberty Regional Offices, Waterview Park, Spar Distribution Centre and various other developments in the Western Cape.

  • 2009

    Ridgeside Development on Umhlanga Ridge, the Vodacom Regional Head Office. Investment paths into the United Kingdom commence

  • 2009

    JT Ross acquires first international property in the UK.

  • 2010

    Construction of Blackburn Bridge across the N2 and Ethekwini Hospital completed amongst various other commercial and industrial developments.

  • 2010

    Rossmin forms to commence plans for an open cast mine on the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

  • 2011

    JT Ross inherits major shareholding of Hillcrest Private Hospital after a turnkey development. Forms Ross Healthcare.

  • 2012

    JT Ross Park: Plumbago in Johannesburg kicks off with first major distribution centre. The park aims to be Johannesburg’s premier Logistics hub.

  • 2013

    Development of Ross Healthcare’s second hospital Gateway Private Hospital.

  • 2013

    Tshelimnyama Pedestrian Bridge near the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on the N3 outside Durban was completed. Received an award for Technical Excellence (SAICE).

  • 2015

    JT Ross moves to newly built premises within Lion Match Office Park. JT Ross change focus from Construction Company to Property Development, Ownership and Management Company.

  • 2015

    Investment paths into Denmark commence.

  • 2016

    The JT Ross Logo changes.

  • 2016

    JT Ross wins overall SAPOA Excellence Award, Heritage Award and joint Redevelopment Award for Lion Match Office Park.

  • 2016

    RCL Foods’s Head Office, developed by JT Ross. was awarded the ‘Best Office Interior South Africa’ award in the Africa & Arabia 2017 category at the International Property Awards in Dubai.

  • 2016

    JT Ross Park: Northfield commenced. This park aims to be Durban’s premier logistics park.

  • 2017

    Completion of the Caterpillar’s 100,000 sqm warehouse in JHB. JTR’s biggest turnkey industrial development to date.

  • 2018

    Phase 1 and 2 of the CCI building in Umhlanga completed.

  • 2018

    Completion of the AdaptIT building in JHB, our biggest office building in JHB.

  • 2019

    JTR acquires Aerozone Business Park, Budapest, Hungary.

  • 2021

    The Massmart Distribution Center at Northfield is completed, our biggest development in Durban (54000 m2). Awarded EDGE Certification from GBCSA.